An apparatus for removing dendrites or other crystalline matter from the surface of a liquid in a matter transport process, and an electrolytic cell including such an apparatus. A notch may be provided to allow continuous exposure of the liquid surface, and a bore may be further provided to permit access to the liquid. 2 figs.

This thesis presents a new method for needle-free powdered drug injection. The design, construction, and testing of a bench-top helium-powered device capable of delivering powder to controllable depths within the dermis ...

ElectroNeedles technology was developed as part of an earlier Grand Challenge effort on Bio-Micro Fuel Cell project. During this earlier work, the fabrication of the ElectroNeedles was accomplished along with proof-of-concept work on several electrochemically active analytes such as glucose, quinone and ferricyanide. Additionally, earlier work demonstrated technology potential in the field of immunosensors by specifically detecting Troponin, a cardiac biomarker. The current work focused upon fabrication process reproducibility of the ElectroNeedles and then using the devices to sensitively detect p-cresol, a biomarker for kidney failure or nephrotoxicity. Valuable lessons were learned regarding fabrication assurance and quality. The detection of p-cresol was accomplished by electrochemistry as well as using fluorescence to benchmark ElectroNeedles performance. Results from these studies will serve as a guide for the future fabrication processes involving ElectroNeedles as well as provide the groundwork necessary to expand technology applications. One paper has been accepted for publication acknowledging LDRD funding (K. E. Achyuthan et al, Comb. Chem. & HTS, 2008). We are exploring the scope for a second paper describing the applications potential of this technology.

A method of tailoring the heat balance of the outer edge of the dendrites adjacent the meniscus to produce thinner, smoother dendrites, which have substantially less dislocation sources contiguous with the dendrites, by changing the view factor to reduce radiation cooling or by irradiating the dendrites with light from a quartz lamp or a laser to raise the temperature of the dendrites.

Since the first experimental evidences of active conductances in dendrites, most neurons have been shown to exhibit dendritic excitability through the expression of a variety of voltage-gated ion channels. However, despite experimental and theoretical efforts undertaken in the last decades, the role of this excitability for some kind of dendritic computation has remained elusive. Here we show that, owing to very general properties of excitable media, the average output of a model of active dendritic trees is a highly non-linear function of their afferent rate, attaining extremely large dynamic ranges (above 50 dB). Moreover, the model yields double-sigmoid response functions as experimentally observed in retinal ganglion cells. We claim that enhancement of dynamic range is the primary functional role of active dendritic conductances. We predict that neurons with larger dendritic trees should have larger dynamic range and that blocking of active conductances should lead to a decrease of dynamic range.

Obtaining accurate needle placement is of critical importance in many medical scenarios. In the setting of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), manual palpation is often the only cue for determining the optimal position ...

A fuel injector includes a homogenous charge nozzle outlet set and a conventional nozzle outlet set controlled respectively by inner and outer needle value members. The homogenous charged nozzle outlet set is defined by an outer needle value member that is moveably positioned in an injector body, which defines the conventional nozzle outlet set. The inner needle valve member is positioned in the outer needle valve member. The outer needle valve member is a piece component that includes at least one external guide surface, an external value surface and an internal valve seat.

A fuel injector includes a homogenous charge nozzle outlet set and a conventional nozzle outlet set controlled respectively, by first and second needle valve members. One of the needle valve members moves to an open position while the other needle valve member remains stationary for a homogeneous charge injection event. The former needle valve member stays stationary while the other needle valve member moves to an open position for a conventional injection event. One of the needle valve members is at least partially positioned in the other needle valve member. Thus, the injector can perform homogeneous charge injection events, conventional injection events, or even a mixed mode having both types of injection events in a single engine cycle.

be reusable and made of stainless steel or single use and made of plastic material. Stainless steel needles are often easier to pass but plastic needles are less likely to cause injury. Stainless steel needles can

and that the private 1 | Paper 1 - Minutes | Debbie Erskine | 23/01/2009 #12;Red Band Needle Blight Programme Group Group England Working Group Wales Working Group RBNB Operational GB Working Group (including private Groups would only meet on an ad hoc basis and the structure was agreed. Action: Jim/Roddie to re

The MIT BioInstrumentation Lab's linear Lorentz force actuator based needle free injection system has been shown to have numerous benefits over needle-based and other needle-free drug delivery systems in a research ...

A recent advancement in the area of needle-free injection systems has been the development of devices capable of epidermal delivery of powder medications. These devices use high-pressure compressed gas to accelerate drug ...

The low cost, significant reducing potential, and relative safety of the zinc electrode is a common hope for a reductant in secondary batteries, but it is limited mainly to primary implementation due to shape change. In this work we exploit such shape change for the benefit of static electrodes through the electrodeposition of hyper-dendritic nanoporous zinc foam. Electrodeposition of zinc foam resulted in nanoparticles formed on secondary dendrites in a three-dimensional network with a particle size distribution of 54.1 - 96.0 nm. The nanoporous zinc foam contributed to highly oriented crystals, high surface area and more rapid kinetics in contrast to conventional zinc in alkaline mediums. The anode material presented had a utilization of ~ 88% at full depth-of-discharge at various rates indicating a superb rate-capability. The rechargeability of Zn?/Zn²? showed significant capacity retention over 100 cycles at a 40% depth-of-discharge to ensure that the dendritic core structure was imperforated. The dendritic architecture was densified upon charge-discharge cycling and presented superior performance compared to bulk zinc electrodes.

Dendritic processing within olfactory bulb circuits Nathan E. Schoppa1 and Nathan N. Urban2 1 of the olfactory bulb. How- ever, the mechanisms by which this map is transformed into an odor code by the bulb circuitry remain unclear. Recent physiological studies in bulb slices have ident- ified several synaptic

The low cost, significant reducing potential, and relative safety of the zinc electrode is a common hope for a reductant in secondary batteries, but it is limited mainly to primary implementation due to shape change. In this work we exploit such shape change for the benefit of static electrodes through the electrodeposition of hyper-dendritic nanoporous zinc foam. Electrodeposition of zinc foam resulted in nanoparticles formed on secondary dendrites in a three-dimensional network with a particle size distribution of 54.1 - 96.0 nm. The nanoporous zinc foam contributed to highly oriented crystals, high surface area and more rapid kinetics in contrastmore »to conventional zinc in alkaline mediums. The anode material presented had a utilization of ~ 88% at full depth-of-discharge at various rates indicating a superb rate-capability. The rechargeability of Zn?/Zn²? showed significant capacity retention over 100 cycles at a 40% depth-of-discharge to ensure that the dendritic core structure was imperforated. The dendritic architecture was densified upon charge-discharge cycling and presented superior performance compared to bulk zinc electrodes.« less

Purpose: In this study, the authors introduce skew line needle configurations for high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy and needle planning by integer program (NPIP), a computational method for generating these configurations. NPIP generates needle configurations that are specific to the anatomy of the patient, avoid critical structures near the penile bulb and other healthy structures, and avoid needle collisions inside the body. Methods: NPIP consisted of three major components: a method for generating a set of candidate needles, a needle selection component that chose a candidate needle subset to be inserted, and a dose planner for verifying that the final needle configuration could meet dose objectives. NPIP was used to compute needle configurations for prostate cancer data sets from patients previously treated at our clinic. NPIP took two user-parameters: a number of candidate needles, and needle coverage radius, {delta}. The candidate needle set consisted of 5000 needles, and a range of {delta} values was used to compute different needle configurations for each patient. Dose plans were computed for each needle configuration. The number of needles generated and dosimetry were analyzed and compared to the physician implant. Results: NPIP computed at least one needle configuration for every patient that met dose objectives, avoided healthy structures and needle collisions, and used as many or fewer needles than standard practice. These needle configurations corresponded to a narrow range of {delta} values, which could be used as default values if this system is used in practice. The average end-to-end runtime for this implementation of NPIP was 286 s, but there was a wide variation from case to case. Conclusions: The authors have shown that NPIP can automatically generate skew line needle configurations with the aforementioned properties, and that given the correct input parameters, NPIP can generate needle configurations which meet dose objectives and use as many or fewer needles than the current HDR brachytherapy workflow. Combined with robot assisted brachytherapy, this system has the potential to reduce side effects associated with treatment. A physical trial should be done to test the implant feasibility of NPIP needle configurations.

A lid for a susceptor in which a crystalline material is melted by induction heating to form a pool or melt of molten material from which a dendritic web of essentially a single crystal of the material is pulled through an elongated slot in the lid and the lid has a pair of generally round openings adjacent the ends of the slot and a groove extends between each opening and the end of the slot. The grooves extend from the outboard surface of the lid to adjacent the inboard surface providing a strip contiguous with the inboard surface of the lid to produce generally uniform radiational heat loss across the width of the dendritic web adjacent the inboard surface of the lid to reduce thermal stresses in the web and facilitate the growth of wider webs at a greater withdrawal rate.

The motivation behind this report was to develop a stronger understanding of pine needle combustion behavior in a semi-gasifier, in order to ultimately design an effective pine needle cook stove for people in the developing ...

The motivation behind this project was to develop a better understanding of the role that the stove top plays in a stove where pine needles are the main fuel source. Pine needles have distinct characteristics in their ...

model of steerable bevel-tip nee- dles. The resulting controllers cause the needle tip to track the basis for a new planning and control framework for needle steering. I. INTRODUCTION Consider the motion motivation for the present work is needle steering which has been modeled as a kinematic system, we consider

://www.irisa.fr/lagadic/welcome-eng.html Abstract. This paper presents a robotic control method for 3D steering of a beveled-tip flexible needle approach and its robustness to model errors. Keywords: Flexible needle steering, visual servoing 1], or the Stochastic roadmap [6]. In [7] a kinematic model was proposed for bevel-tip needle steering by constantly

Feedback Control for Steering Needles Through 3D Deformable Tissue Using Helical Paths Kris Hauser controller that steers a needle along 3D helical paths, and varies the helix radius to correct a model predictive control framework that chooses a needle twist rate such that the predicted helical

Vision-Based Control on Lie groups with Application to Needle Steering by Vinutha Kallem steering and (2) kernel-based visual servoing. The core of this thesis is motivated by image-guided control model of flexible bevel-tip needle steering in which the needle is inserted and rotated at its base

to reduce placement error. We describe a 2D physically-based, dynamic simulation of needle insertion 94143-1708 USA, and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University Engineering and Opera- tions Research and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

mechanical design but also the need for calibration and registration of the robot to the medical imager priorVirtual Remote Center of Motion Control for Needle Placement Robots Emad M. Boctor, Robert J@jhu.edu, GaborF@jhu.edu http://cisstweb.cs.jhu.edu Abstract. Surgical robots, including those with remote center

Controlling a Robotically Steered Needle in the Presence of Torsional Friction Kyle B. Reed Allison the needle is controlled. Our experiments show that several common phantom tissues used in needle steering avoiding obstacles. See [4] for a survey that includes robotically steered needles and insertion modeling

Biopsy is usually performed as the first step in percutaneous treatment of osteoid osteomas prior to laser photocoagulation. At our institution, 117 patients with a presumed diagnosis of osteoid osteoma had a trephine biopsy before a percutaneous laser photocoagulation. Biopsies were made using two different types of needles. A Bonopty biopsy needle (14-gauge cannula, 16-gauge trephine needle; Radi Medical Systems, Uppsala, Sweden) was used in 65 patients, and a Laurane biopsy needle (11-gauge cannula, 12.5-gauge trephine needle; Laurane Medical, Saint-Arnoult, France) in 43 patients. Overall biopsy results were positive for osteoid osteoma in 83 (70.9%) of the 117 cases. The Laurane needle provided a significantly higher positive rate (81.4%) than the Bonopty needle (66.1%; p < 0.05). This difference was not due to the size of the nidus, which was similar in the two groups (p < 0.05) and may be an effect of differences in needle caliber (12.5 vs. 14 gauge) as well as differences in needle design. The rate of positive biopsy results obtained in the present series with the Laurane biopsy needle is, to our knowledge, the highest rate reported in series dealing with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and laser photocoagulation of osteoid osteomas.

Magnetic nanoparticles have attracted increasing attention for biomedical applications in magnetic resonance imaging, high frequency magnetic field hyperthermia therapies, and magnetic-field-gradient-targeted drug delivery. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) platinum nanostructures with large surface area that features magnetic behavior have been demonstrated. The well-developed 3D nanodendrites consist of plentiful interconnected nano-arms ?4?nm in size. The magnetic behavior of the 3D dendritic Pt nanoparticles is contributed by the localization of surface electrons due to strongly bonded oxygen/Pluronic F127 and the local magnetic moment induced by oxygen vacancies on the neighboring Pt and O atoms. The magnetization of the nanoparticles exhibits a mixed paramagnetic and ferromagnetic state, originating from the core and surface, respectively. The 3D nanodendrite structure is suitable for surface modification and high amounts of drug loading if the transition temperature was enhanced to room temperature properly.

This chapter is a contribution in the "Handbook of Applications of Chaos Theory" ed. by Prof. Christos H Skiadas. The chapter is organized as follows. First we study the statistical properties of combs and explain how to reduce the effect of teeth on the movement along the backbone as a waiting time distribution between consecutive jumps. Second, we justify an employment of a comb-like structure as a paradigm for further exploration of a spiny dendrite. In particular, we show how a comb-like structure can sustain the phenomenon of the anomalous diffusion, reaction-diffusion and L\\'evy walks. Finally, we illustrate how the same models can be also useful to deal with the mechanism of ta translocation wave / translocation waves of CaMKII and its propagation failure. We also present a brief introduction to the fractional integro-differentiation in appendix at the end of the chapter.

CUTTING EDGE IMMUNOLOGY THE OF JOURNAL Cutting Edge: Dendritic Cells Copulsed with Microbial). However, there is evidence that DC-associated factors other than IL-12 also play a significant role in Th1

Kelly, Seán; Turner, Miles M. [School of Physical Science and National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology, Dublin City University, Dublin (Ireland)] [School of Physical Science and National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology, Dublin City University, Dublin (Ireland)

2013-09-28T23:59:59.000Z

A “plasma needle” is a cold plasma source operating at atmospheric pressure. Such sources interact strongly with living cells, but experimental studies on bacterial samples show that this interaction has a surprising pattern resulting in circular or annular killing structures. This paper presents numerical simulations showing that this pattern occurs because biologically active reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are produced dominantly where effluent from the plasma needle interacts with ambient air. A novel solution strategy is utilised coupling plasma produced neutral (uncharged) reactive species to the gas dynamics solving for steady state profiles at the treated biological surface. Numerical results are compared with experimental reports corroborating evidence for atomic oxygen as a key bactericidal species. Surface losses are considered for interaction of plasma produced reactants with reactive solid and liquid interfaces. Atomic oxygen surface reactions on a reactive solid surface with adsorption probabilities above 0.1 are shown to be limited by the flux of atomic oxygen from the plasma. Interaction of the source with an aqueous surface showed hydrogen peroxide as the dominant species at this interface.

During April 1989, needles from Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees were collected from a network of stations in West Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Samples from selected stations were analyzed for hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorophenol (PCP), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers ([alpha]-HCH and [gamma]-HCH [lindane]), DDT, and DDE. Accumulation of the investigated compounds was observed in up to four needle-year classes. [gamma]-HCH decreased from south to north; the pattern for [alpha]-HCH was uniform; DDT/DDE also decreased from south to north. HCB was uniform throughout the sample area, and PCP was high in northern Sweden. Interpretation of trends was not altered by expressing concentrations on a fresh- or dry-weight basis or on a surface-area basis. The range of concentration variation for equivalent samples was 2 to 49% relative standard deviation; averages were 20 to 23%. There were no differences among trees facing the sample open direction; among different directions, trees open to the south collected more DDT, but this was not the case with other substances. There were no differences between trees of different ages. Samples at 4 to 5 m had lower contaminant levels than from 1.5 m.

steering strategies to enable control of needle trajectory and shape within tissue. One popular mechanism for steering needles is to harness asymmetric tip forces (e.g., a bevel tip ­ see Figure 1) to controllably, an experimental testbed is needed to verify kinematic modeling and closed-loop control results. In this paper we

and steer around obstacles to reach previously inaccessible locations. Control and planning based on a steering model can compensate for targeting disturbances due to needle bending, error in insertion angleDesign Considerations for Robotic Needle Steering Robert J. Webster III, Jasenka Memisevic

Interactions of ozone and pathogens on the surface structure of Norway spruce needles K. OjanperÃ¤ S and pathogens. It also acts as a barrier to air pollutants (Jeffree, 1986). The epicuticular wax of Norway and then a plate-like wax structure (Sauter and Voss, 1986). The life span of healthy needles of Norway spruce

The double needle sampler testing is a continuation of previous test series that investigated the fate of organic species in the Process Equipment Waste Evaporator (PEWE) system at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC). This test series was designed to investigate the effects of operation of the double needle sampling systems on volatile organic constituents in an acidic feed matrix.

Liquid permeability in the dendritic regions is one of the factors that determine porosity formation and macro segregation in castings. Permeability in the dendritic structure of Ni-Hard white iron was measured as a function of temperature. Effect of microstructural coarsening on the permeability was also investigated. Permeability increased with coarsening dendritic structure in Ni-Hard white iron.

Modeling and Control of Needles with Torsional Friction Kyle B. Reed, Allison M. Okamura, and Noah-based model of the rotational dynamics of a needle being inserted into tissue. Compared to controllers] for a survey that includes robotically steered needles and insertion modeling. Specifically for prostate

Fast Kalman filtering on quasilinear dendritic trees Liam Paninski Department of Statistics on the order of N = 104 compartments. Standard implementations of the Kalman filter require O(N3 ) time and O of compartments at a time. The idea is to approximate the Kalman equations in terms of a low-rank perturbation

Complex calcite crystals are an integral component of precipitates that form around the orifices of the Loburu and Mawe Moto hot springs on the shores of Lake bogoria, Kenya. Two types of large (up to 4 cm long) noncrystallographic dendrites are important components of these deposits. Feather dendrites are characterized by multiple levels of branching with individual branches developed through crystal splitting and spherulitic growth. Scandulitic (from Latin meaning shingle) dendrites are formed of stacked calcite crystals and are generally more compact than feather dendrites. These developed through the incremental stacking of rectangular-shaped calcite crystals that initially grew as skeletal crystals. Feather and scandulitic dendrites precipitated from the same waters in the same springs. The difference in morphology is therefore related to microenvironments in which they grew. Feather dendrites grew in any direction in pools of free-standing water provided that they were in constant contact with the solute. Conversely, scandulitic dendrites grew on rims of dams where water flowed over the surface in concert with the pulses of spring water. Thus, each calcite crystal in these dendrites represents one episode of crystal growth. The orientation of the component crystals in scandulitic dendrites is controlled by the topography of the dam or surface, not crystallographic criteria. The noncrystallographic dendrites formed from spring waters with initial temperatures of 90--99 C. Surficial water cooling, loss of CO{sub 2}, and presence of other elements that can interfere with crystal growth contributed to the formation of these unusual crystals.

The purpose of this thesis was to develop an optimized nozzle for the needle-free injection device currently under construction in MIT's Bio-Instrumentation Laboratory. Initial predictions from ANSYS, a finite element ...

Insertion of trocars, needles, and catheters into unintended tissues or tissue compartments results in hundreds of thousands of complications annually. Current methods for blood vessel cannulation or epidural, chest tube, ...

In the past years, the BioInstrumentation Lab has developed a handheld needle-free jet injector based on a custom Lorentz-force motor. While the current handheld design is effective as a research tool, many improvements ...

Early detection of breast cancer is critical for improved survival. Currently, breast abnormalities are diagnosed based on a histopathological evaluation of tissue removed during core needle biopsy. Microcalcifications are ...

Intravitreal injection is a common treatment in ophthalmology, but it can lead to considerable patient anxiety and numerous complications. Lorentz-force actuated needle-free jet injection has been shown to successfully ...

This technical note describes the novel use of a curved, steerable needle to access symptomatic osseous lesions in the pelvis and sacrum for palliative percutaneous treatment that would otherwise be difficult to treat using conventional straight needles. Seven patients with lytic bone lesions were treated. One patient had multiple myeloma; the remaining had metastatic disease: breast carcinoma (n = 2), colorectal carcinoma (n = 1), renal cell carcinoma (n = 1), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1), and leiomyosarcoma (n = 1). Five of the seven patients had lesions in the posterior acetabulum, and the two other patients had lesions in the sacrum. Four of the seven patients received radiofrequency ablation followed by cementoplasty; three patients received cementation alone. We used a novel needle designed for vertebroplasty, which has an articulating tip allowing it to be guided into lytic bone lesions located in difficult-to-access regions of the pelvis and sacrum. All patients were successfully treated with cementoplasty either with or without thermal ablation. No serious adverse events were reported. The needle was difficult to withdraw in two patients. Steerable curved needles can be successfully used to treat lytic osseous metastases with cementoplasty when lesions are located in sites that may be difficult to reach using conventional straight needles.

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy and technical success of positioning a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) electrode in osteoid osteomas by use of a new real-time needle guidance technology combining cone-beam computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy. Materials and Methods: Percutaneous RFA of osteoid osteomas was performed in five patients (median age 18 years), under general anesthesia, with the use of cone-beam CT and fluoroscopic guidance for electrode positioning. The outcome parameters were technical success, meaning correct needle placement in the nidus; accuracy defined as the deviation (in mm) from the center of the nidus; and clinical outcome at follow-up. Results: In all five cases, positioning was possible within 3 mm of the determined target location (median nidus size 6.8 mm; range 5-10.2 mm). All procedures were technically successful. All patients were free of pain at clinical follow-up. No complications were observed. Conclusion: Real-time fluoroscopy needle guidance based on cone-beam CT is a useful tool to accurately position radiofrequency needles for minimally invasive treatment of osteoid osteomas.

Purpose. To evaluate the usefulness of a guiding needle for radiofrequency (RF) ablative treatment of liver tumors. Methods. Forty-two patients, 38-78 years old (57 {+-} 17), with 42 liver tumors (18 HCC, 24 colon cancer metastases) underwent RF ablation using a 14-gauge guiding needle with an external insulated sheath in which any 18-gauge or smaller needle can be placed, including a specially designed 3.5 cm LeVeen RF electrode. One guiding needle was used in 20 tumors to provide biopsy and RF treatment in a single puncture. Three to five guiding needles were loaded in 22 tumors measuring 35 to 64 mm in their largest diameter before starting RF treatment requiring multiple overlapping RF applications. Results. In the 20 RF treatments combined with biopsy, the biopsy was always contributive. Because of pre-positioning of the sheath, postbiopsy modifications (bleeding or air artifacts) did not hinder subsequent RF treatment. The 22 large tumors received 5 to 12 RF applications (mean = 6.8) through the three to five preloaded guiding needles. The RF ablation zones measured 46 to 94 mm (mean 55) in their largest dimension, with ablative margins in all cases. After 8 to 32 months (mean = 20), 14 of the 22 tumors are considered completely destroyed on computed tomography follow-up and one tumor seeding has been found. Conclusion. The Leveen CoAccess needle allows precise tumor targeting when treating large tumors requiring multiple RF applications. It allows biopsies combined with RF ablation through a single tract.

Fractal Iron Oxide Single-Crystal Dendritic Micro-Pines of Magnetic a-Fe2O3: Large-Scale Synthesis,2] Fractal structures are common in nature across all length scales, from self-assembled molecules. On the nanoscale, dendritic fractals are one type of hyperbranched structure which are generally formed

-trains is explained within a kinematic framework that is based on the times of wave pulses. The dispersion curve of stability that may be applied to solutions of the traveling wave equations. The kinematic theory correctly waves, dendritic spines, connections to periodics, kinematic formalism 2 #12;1 Introduction As dendrites

, France Abstract Among the different subsets of dendritic cells (DC), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC, with human primary blood PDC and with a PDC cell line, that PDC display poor endocytic capacity for soluble or cellular antigens when compared to monocyte-derived myeloid DC. However, immature PDC efficiently take up

Through the eye of the needle: recent advances in understanding biopolymer translocation.1088/0953-8984/25/41/413101 TOPICAL REVIEW Through the eye of the needle: recent advances in understanding biopolymer translocation

Highlights: ? PbTe nanoneedles were prepared at low temperature without any surfactant or template. ? The synthetic method is very simple, economical and environment benign. ? PbTe nanoneedles exhibit low resistivity, which improves thermoelectric performance. ? PbTe nanoneedles show large blue-shift due to quantum confinement effect. - Abstract: The face-centered cubic PbTe micro-needles were synthesized by a simple aqueous chemical reaction between lead acetate and tellurium in NaOH solution in the presence of Na{sub 2}HPO{sub 4} as reducing reagent at low temperature under atmospheric pressure without any additional surfactants or templates. Micro structural analyses show that these micro-needles are in the range of 90–130 nm in diameter with length ?2 ?m. Electrical resistivity of prepared PbTe micro-needles was found to be 14–33 Ohm-cm. The optical absorption spectrum of PbTe micro-needles shows large blue-shift (?1.26 eV) with respect to those of the bulk counterpart (0.32 eV) due to quantum confinement of charge carriers, which is consistent with the blue shift of the band emission peak in the photoluminescence spectrum.

and modeling limitations result in open-loop control errors. Subjects typically performed multiple spins straight- line access to the desired final tip target. Model-based or teleoperative control and planning teleoperation of needles made of a superelastic alloy that steer through tissue using forces generated

endeavored to procure RPS by signing a Purchase Power Agreement with a solar developer who could not perform portfolio standard (RPS); and WHEREAS, the City ofNeedles (CITY) power portfolio is highly concentrated in inexpensive hydroelectric power (48%); and WHEREAS, CITY's universe of electric ratepayers is very small

The BioInstrumentation Laboratory at MIT developed a needle-free injector that is driven by a Lorentz-force actuator. The current model was able to generate pressures of up to 20 MPa in order to drive a jet of water based ...

Dendritic cells (DC) are sentinels of the immune system that display an extraordinary capacity to present antigen to naïve T cells and initiate immune responses. DCs are distributed throughout the lungs in the conducting ...

Linear-dendritic block copolymers consisting of a poly(styrene) linear block and poly(amidoamine) dendrimer block were synthesized and examined for their ability to self-assemble in both aqueous environments and organic/aqueous ...

In-situ synchrotron x-ray experiments have been used to follow the evolution of the diffraction peaks for crystalline dendrites embedded in a bulk metallic glass matrix subjected to a compressive loading-unloading cycle. ...

Live or attenuated pathogens are the basis of many successful vaccines due in part to the orchestrated response of dendritic cells (DCs) triggered by these immunizations, which includes (1) DC and DC precursor attraction ...

In this Perspective we first examine the rich physicochemical properties of dendritic polymers for hosting cations, anions, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. We then extrapolate these conceptual discussions to the use of dendritic polymers for humic acid antifouling, oil dispersion, copper sensing, and fullerenol remediation. In addition, we review the state-of-the-art of dendrimer research and elaborate on their 10 implications for water purification, environmental remediation, nanomedicine, and energy harvesting.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a rapid and cost-effective method for obtaining a first-line diagnosis of a palpable mass of the breast. However, because it can be difficult to manually discriminate between adipose ...

Purpose: We report what is to our knowledge the initial experience with a new 3-dimensional ultrasound robotic system for prostate brachytherapy assistance, focal therapy and prostate biopsies. Its ability to track prostate motion intraoperatively allows it to manage motions and guide needles to predefined targets. Materials and Methods: A robotic system was created for transrectal ultrasound guided needle implantation combined with intraoperative prostate tracking. Experiments were done on 90 targets embedded in a total of 9 mobile, deformable, synthetic prostate phantoms. Experiments involved trying to insert glass beads as close as possible to targets in multimodal anthropomorphic imaging phantoms. Results were measured by segmenting the inserted beads in computerized tomography volumes of the phantoms. Results: The robot reached the chosen targets in phantoms with a median accuracy of 2.73 mm and a median prostate motion of 5.46 mm. Accuracy was better at the apex than at the base (2.28 vs 3.83 mm, p

Formation of Li dendrites is a major safety concern existing in Li-ion secondary batteries. A quantitative electrochemistry method to investigate the dendrite nucleation and growth mechanisms at high spatial is presented. Cyclic voltammetry, in combination with in situ electrochemical transmission electron microscopy (in situ ec-TEM), was used to quantitatively characterize dendrite nucleation and growth mechanisms from a Au working electrode and within a 1.2M LiPF6 EC:DMC electrolyte.

Lithium metal batteries are called the “holy grail” of energy storage systems. However, lithium dendrite growth in these batteries has prevented their practical applications in the last 40 years. Here we show a novel mechanism which can fundamentally change the dendritic morphology of lithium deposition. A low concentration of the second cations (including ions of cesium, rubidium, potassium, and strontium) exhibits an effective reduction potential lower than the standard reduction potential of lithium ions when the chemical activities of these second cations are much lower than that of lithium ions. During lithium deposition, these second cations will form a self-healing electrostatic shield around the initial tip of lithium whenever it is formed. This shield will repel the incoming lithium ions and force them to deposit in the smoother region of the anode so a dendrite-free film is obtained. This mechanism is effective on dendrite prevention in both lithium metal and lithium ion batteries. They may also prevent dendrite growth in other metal batteries and have transformational impact on the smooth deposition in general electrodeposition processes.

Suppressing lithium (Li) dendrite growth is one of the most critical challenges for the development of Li metal batteries. We recently proposed a novel self-healing electrostatic shield (SHES) mechanism which can fundamentally change the Li deposition behavior and lead to the growth of dendrite-free Li films. Here, we report for the first time that the as-deposited dendrite-free Li films grown with assistance of SHES additive are actually composed of highly-aligned and compacted Li nanorods with hemispherical tips. Both surface and cross sectional morphology evolution of the Li films during repeated Li deposition/stripping processes were systematically investigated. A new model has been established to explain the formation and evolution of the Li nanorods. A fundamental understanding on the internal structure and evolution of Li metal films may lead to new approaches to stabilize the long term cycling stability of Li metal anode.

Homogeneous discharge in air is often considered to be the ultimate low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasmas for industrial applications. In this paper, we present a method whereby stable homogeneous discharge in open air can be generated by a simple plasma needle. The discharge mechanism is discussed based on the spatially resolved light emission waveforms from the plasma. Optical emission spectroscopy is used to determine electron energy and rotational temperature, and results indicate that both electron energy and rotational temperature increase with increasing the applied voltage. The results are analyzed qualitatively based on the discharge mechanism.

The report includes data from six western States provided 1,251 life tables representing western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis. These data provided projection capabilities for defoliation and successive budworm densities, as well as a basis for comparing survival rates among the three principal North American needle-eating budworms (western and eastern spruce budworms, and the jack pine budworm). Several modifications are suggested in current methods for managing budworm susceptible forests, and suggestions are provided for further studies on the budworm life systems.

The dendritic cell algorithm is an immune-inspired technique for processing time-dependant data. Here we propose it as a possible solution for a robotic classification problem. The dendritic cell algorithm is implemented on a real robot and an investigation is performed into the effects of varying the migration threshold median for the cell population. The algorithm performs well on a classification task with very little tuning. Ways of extending the implementation to allow it to be used as a classifier within the field of robotic security are suggested.

We report on a quantitative measurement of the spatial coherence of electrons emitted from a sharp metal needle tip. We investigate the coherence in photoemission using near-ultraviolet laser triggering with a photon energy of 3.1 eV and compare it to DC-field emission. A carbon-nanotube is brought in close proximity to the emitter tip to act as an electrostatic biprism. From the resulting electron matter wave interference fringes we deduce an upper limit of the effective source radius both in laser-triggered and DC-field emission mode, which quantifies the spatial coherence of the emitted electron beam. We obtain $(0.80\\pm 0.05)\\,$nm in laser-triggered and $(0.55\\pm 0.02)\\,$nm in DC-field emission mode, revealing that the outstanding coherence properties of electron beams from needle tip field emitters are largely maintained in laser-induced emission. In addition, the relative coherence width of 0.36 of the photoemitted electron beam is the largest observed so far. The preservation of electronic coherence du...

* Materials and Process Simulation Center, Beckman Institute, 139-74, California Institute of Technology-assembly of supramolecular dendritic structures synthesized and characterized by Zimmerman and co-workers. In this method is the supramolecular structure. Through the control of environmental conditions such as pH values and ionic strength

studies5,6 or studied using optical imaging with calcium-sensitive dyes and voltage- sensitive dyes (VSDs-clamp recordings enabled us to characterize the integrative properties of these cells. Despite the short physical pyramidal neurons are on the basal dendritic arborization1, and a number of excitatory cell types target

A level set simulation of dendritic solidification of multi-component alloys Lijian Tan, Nicholas Zabaras 1 Materials Process Design and Control Laboratory, Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace microstructure evolution in the solidification of multi-component alloys. Phase boundaries are tracked by solving

Initial mesh setup for an ASC mUlti-physics code at LANL is done using Altair5. Altair5 assumes that the final mesh is composed of logical structured mesh blocks linked together at mesh boundaries to form, ultimately, an unstructured mesh. Within these blocks, meshes may have dendrites, that is, local regions where two zones share common edges (in two-dimensions, or faces in three-dimensions) with a single zone. In many cases, contiguous subsets of the initial set of blocks may have the same material assigned to them, but without smoothing the mesh would form a computationally challenging initial mesh. Some of these blocks may also have zones with nodes on domain boundaries. This paper reports on the implementation of multiblock smoothing in Altair5, which allows for dendrites and for moving boundary nodes. Dendritic nodes are constrained to be located at the average of their neighbor nodes while boundary nodes are constrained to move along the boundary geometry. Two fundamentally different smoothing methods were implemented. First, a variational principle is presented that balances zonal size and distortion via a user selected weighting with constraints imposed using penalty methods for dendritic nodes and Lagrange multipliers for boundary nodes. Second, the Laplace-Beltrami smoother is presented. This is a general elliptic smoother which can easily be modified to give Laplacian and Winslow-Crowley mesh smoothing. Results are shown for several test meshes of interest.

the physical (structural) state of the material at each point. The phase-field variable takes on different are carried out using the phase-field method. The governing evolution equation for the phase field variable microstructure causing it to change from poorly developed dendrites consisting of only primary stalks, via fully

the centers of mass of dendritic macromolecules of variable flexibility and generation number. Two different in the generation number and flexibility of the spacers. We supplement our simulation analysis by a density the generation number as a ``tuning parameter'' to bridge the gap between flexible chains and compact particles

Needles (CITY) power portfolio is highly concentrated in inexpensive hydroelectric power (48%); and WHEREAS are economically disadvantaged; and WHEREAS, CITY has in good faith endeavored to procure RPS by signing a Purchase Power Agreement with a solar developer who could not perform; and WHEREAS, CITY commissioned

Thermal conductivity is a key property that must be known for proper design, test, and application of new fuels and structural materials in nuclear reactors. Thermal conductivity is highly dependent on the physical structure, chemical composition, and the state of the material. Typically, thermal conductivity changes that occur during irradiation are measured out-of-pile by Post Irradiated Examination (PIE) using a “cook and look” approach in hot-cells. Repeatedly removing samples from a test reactor to make out-of-pile measurements is expensive, has the potential to disturb phenomena of interest, and only provides understanding of the sample's end state at the time each measurement is made. There are also limited thermophysical property data for advanced fuels. Such data are needed for simulation design codes, the development of next generation reactors, and advanced fuels for existing nuclear plants. Being able to quickly characterize fuel thermal conductivity during irradiation can improve the fidelity of data, reduce costs of post-irradiation examinations, increase understanding of how fuels behave under irradiation, and confirm or improve existing thermal conductivity measurement techniques. This paper discusses recent efforts to develop and evaluate an in-pile thermal conductivity sensor based on a hot wire needle probe. Testing has been performed on samples with thermal conductivities ranging from 0.2 W/m-K to 22 W-m-K in temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 600 °C. Thermal conductivity values measured using the needle probe match data found in the literature to within 5% for samples tested at room temperature, 5.67% for low thermal conductivity samples tested at high temperatures, and 10% for high thermal conductivity samples tested at high temperatures. Experimental results also show that this sensor is capable of operating in various test conditions and of surviving long duration irradiations.

We apply a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique to complex molecules at interfaces. Partitioning of dendritic surfactants into clay gallery and Ab protein behavior near hydrated lipids are chosen for the purpose. Using a full atomistic model...

Purpose: This study was designed to systematically investigate artifacts caused by interventional needles recommended for use in MRI, with focus on field strength, needle/mandrin type, orientation and sequence. Methods: Eight different MRI compatible needles were placed in porcine tissue and examined at 1.5 and 3.0 T with balanced-steady-state-free-precession (B-SSFP) and T1-weighted-spoiled-gradient-echo (T1-SPGR) sequences in different orientations to B{sub 0}. Artifact diameters with regards to the primary, inner, and secondary, outer artifacts were assessed and statistically evaluated. Results: The types and degree of artifacts varied considerably, especially between different mandrin types even for the same needles. Orientation of the needle in the magnetic field was another main contributor to the artifact dimensions. Less important factors were the type of pulse sequence and field strength. Artifacts ranged from 0.7 mm (steel, 0 Degree-Sign , B-SSFP, 3.0 T, inner) to 71.4 mm (nitinol, 90 Degree-Sign , B-SSFP, 1.5 T, outer). Inner artifact diameters in B-SSFP were slightly larger (8.2 {+-} 5.7 mm) than those in T1-SPGR (7.6 {+-} 5.4 mm) and comparable between 1.5 and 3.0 T (e.g., 8.0 vs. 8.4 mm, B-SSFP). Conclusions: Although all were sold as 'MR compatible,' the artifacts differed greatly between needle types, and even more so for different mandrins. The results suggest an empirical approach to the needle choice based on lesion type and approach angle.

This study is focused on the power deposition in microplasma jet discharges generated by application of radiofrequency (RF) excitation to a hollow needle electrode. The plasma jet is initiated at atmospheric pressure in open air with a flow of helium through the electrode. We show that in this configuration, a significant part of the injected power is dissipated in electromagnetic radiation. Many recent works have demonstrated the potential of either cold plasma jets or of RF radiation for applications in medicine, and therefore a source that produces both a cold plasma jet and RF radiation could be of interest.

Bacteriophages of the Podoviridae family use short noncontractile tails to inject their genetic material into Gram-negative bacteria. In phage P22, the tail contains a thin needle, encoded by the phage gene 26, which is essential both for stabilization and for ejection of the packaged viral genome. Bioinformatic analysis of the N-terminal domain of gp26 (residues 1-60) led us to identify a family of genes encoding putative homologues of the tail needle gp26. To validate this idea experimentally and to explore their diversity, we cloned the gp26-like gene from phages HK620, Sf6 and HS1, and characterized these gene products in solution. All gp26-like factors contain an elongated {alpha}-helical coiled-coil core consisting of repeating, adjacent trimerization heptads and form trimeric fibers with length ranging between about 240 to 300 {angstrom}. gp26 tail needles display a high level of structural stability in solution, with Tm (temperature of melting) between 85 and 95 C. To determine how the structural stability of these phage fibers correlates with the length of the {alpha}-helical core, we investigated the effect of insertions and deletions in the helical core. In the P22 tail needle, we identified an 85-residue-long helical domain, termed MiCRU (minimal coiled-coil repeat unit), that can be inserted in-frame inside the gp26 helical core, preserving the straight morphology of the fiber. Likewise, we were able to remove three quarters of the helical core of the HS1 tail needle, minimally decreasing the stability of the fiber. We conclude that in the gp26 family of tail needles, structural stability increases nonlinearly with the length of the {alpha}-helical core. Thus, the overall stability of these bacteriophage fibers is not solely dependent on the number of trimerization repeats in the {alpha}-helical core.

The origin of the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns from needle/rod-like metastable precipitates embedded in {alpha}-Al matrix in Al-Mg-Si alloys have been studied via an example of {beta}'' phase. In addition, the SAED pattern from {beta}'' phase has been simulated with significant improvement in comparison with the previous simulations. Three important factors, i.e. the 12 crystallographically equivalent variants of {beta}'' phase in the {alpha}-Al matrix due to the highly symmetric f.c.c. structure of {alpha}-Al, the coherence between {beta}'' phase and the {alpha}-Al matrix, and the double diffractions from the {alpha}-Al matrix and {beta}'' phase, are proved to contribute to the special square-shaped features in the SAED patterns from {beta}'' phase and thus fully taken into account in the simulation. An improved but simplified method for simulating the SAED patterns from needle/rod-like metastable precipitates has been developed. This method is further verified by simulating the SAED pattern from Q phase. The simulated SAED patterns from both {beta}'' and Q phases fit the experimentally determined patterns very well. - Highlights: {yields}An improved method has been developed to simulate the SADPs of Al alloys. {yields}The formation mechanism of SADPs of Al alloys has been systemically studied. {yields}Double diffraction contributes to the formation of the SADPs of Al alloys.

MRI-compatible Haptics: Feasibility of using optical fiber Bragg grating strain-sensors to detect fiber-optic-based force and deflection sensors based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology have been was developed using a single optical fiber and an MRI compatible biopsy needle (22ga x 15cm). The FBG sensor

for estimating the final tip position, and to get a reasonable approximation of the bending profile of the needle. The images taken by the two cameras were processed using the OpenCV library to obtain the profile experiments involved one-point and two-point bending cases in 3D. A tip load was applied in the first case

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of image-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a triple-spiral-shaped electrode needle for unresectable primary or metastatic hepatic tumors. Thirty-four patients with 46 index tumors were treated. Ablation zone, morbidity, and complications were assessed. The lesions were completely ablated with an ablative margin of about 1 cm. Five patients (14.7%) with a lesion larger than 4.5 cm had local tumor progression after 1 month and were retreated. Hemothorax, as a major complication, occurred in 1 of 34 patients (3.0%) or 1 of 46 lesions ablated (2.2%). RFA using this new electrode needle can be effective in the treatment of large unresectable hepatic tumors.

be explained by dendritic calcium currents. Key words: sleep; synchronized oscillations; voltage clamp oscillations, which depend in part on their complex bursting properties. We have investigated the intrinsic current (ITS)was studied via voltage clamp in acutely dissociated RE cells that lack most

Delayed development of virus-specific immune response has been observed in pigs infected with the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Several studies support the hypothesis that the PRRSV is capable of modulating porcine immune system, but the mechanisms involved are yet to be defined. In this study, we evaluated the induction of T regulatory cells by PRRSV-infected dendritic cells (DCs). Our results showed that PRRSV-infected DCs significantly increased Foxp3{sup +}CD25{sup +} T cells, an effect that was reversible by IFN-alpha treatment, and this outcome was reproducible using two distinct PRRSV strains. Analysis of the expressed cytokines suggested that the induction of Foxp3{sup +}CD25{sup +} T cells is dependent on TGF-beta but not IL-10. In addition, a significant up-regulation of Foxp3 mRNA, but not TBX21 or GATA3, was detected. Importantly, our results showed that the induced Foxp3{sup +}CD25{sup +} T cells were able to suppress the proliferation of PHA-stimulated PBMCs. The T cells induced by the PRRSV-infected DCs fit the Foxp3{sup +}CD25{sup +} T helper 3 (Th3) regulatory cell phenotype described in the literature. The induction of this cell phenotype depended, at least in part, on PRRSV viability because IFN-alpha treatment or virus inactivation reversed these effects. In conclusion, this data supports the hypothesis that the PRRSV succeeds to establish and replicate in porcine cells early post-infection, in part, by inducing Th3 regulatory cells as a mechanism of modulating the porcine immune system.

Although lead (Pb) has significant effects on the development and function of macrophages, B cells, and T cells and has been suggested to promote allergic asthma in mice and humans, Pb modulation of bone marrow (BM)-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and the resultant DC effects on Th1 and Th2 development have not been examined. Accordingly, we cultured BM cells with murine granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (mGM-CSF) {+-} PbCl{sub 2}. At day 10, culture supernatant (SN) and non-adherent cells were harvested for analysis. Additionally, day 10 non-adherent BM-DCs were harvested and recultured with mGM-CSF + LPS {+-} Pb for 2 days. The day 10 Pb exposure significantly inhibited BM-DC generation, based on CD11c expression. Although fewer DCs were generated with Pb, the existing Pb-exposed DCs had significantly greater MHC-II expression than did the non-Pb-exposed DCs. However, these differences diminished upon LPS stimulation. After LPS stimulation, CD80, CD86, CD40, CD54, and MHC-II were all up-regulated on both Pb-DCs and DCs, but Pb-DCs expressed significantly less CD80 than did DCs. The CD86:CD80 ratio suggests a Pb-DC potential for Th2 cell development. After LPS stimulation, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), and TNF-{alpha} levels significantly increased with both Pb-DCs and DCs, but Pb-DCs produced significantly less cytokines than did DCs, except for IL-10, which further supports Pb-DC preferential skewing toward type-2 immunity. In vitro studies confirm that Pb-DCs have the ability to polarize antigen-specific T cells to Th2 cells. Pb-DCs also enhanced allogeneic and autologous T cell proliferation in vitro, and in vivo studies suggested that Pb-DCs inhibited Th1 effects on humoral and cell-mediated immunity. The Pb effect was mainly on DCs, rather than on T cells, and Pb's modification of DC function appears to be the main cause of Pb's promotion of type-2-related immunity, which may relate to Pb's enhanced activation of the Erk/MAP kinase pathway.

The number of studies involved in the development of in vitro skin sensitization tests has increased since the adoption of the EU 7th amendment to the cosmetics directive proposing to ban animal testing for cosmetic ingredients by 2013. Several studies have recently demonstrated that sensitizers induce a relevant up-regulation of activation markers such as CD86, CD54, IL-8 or IL-1{beta} in human myeloid cell lines (e.g., U937, MUTZ-3, THP-1) or in human peripheral blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells (PBMDCs). The present study aimed at the identification of new dendritic cell activation markers in order to further improve the in vitro evaluation of the sensitizing potential of chemicals. We have compared the gene expression profiles of PBMDCs and the human cell line MUTZ-3 after a 24-h exposure to the moderate sensitizer cinnamaldehyde. A list of 80 genes modulated in both cell types was obtained and a set of candidate marker genes was selected for further analysis. Cells were exposed to selected sensitizers and non-sensitizers for 24 h and gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results indicated that PIR, TRIM16 and two Nrf2-regulated genes, CES1 and NQO1, are modulated by most sensitizers. Up-regulation of these genes could also be observed in our recently published DC-activation test with U937 cells. Due to their role in DC activation, these new genes may help to further refine the in vitro approaches for the screening of the sensitizing properties of a chemical.

The development of non-animal testing methods for the assessment of skin sensitisation potential is an urgent challenge within the framework of existing and forthcoming legislation. Efforts have been made to replace current animal tests, but so far no alternative methods have been developed. It is widely recognised that alternatives to animal testing cannot be accomplished with a single approach, but rather will require the integration of results obtained from different in vitro and in silico assays. The argument subjacent to the development of in vitro dendritic cell (DC)-based assays is that sensitiser-induced changes in the DC phenotype can be differentiated from those induced by irritants. This assumption is derived from the unique capacity of DC to convert environmental signals encountered at the skin into a receptor expression pattern (MHC class II molecules, co-stimulatory molecules, chemokine receptors) and a soluble mediator release profile that will stimulate T lymphocytes. Since signal transduction cascades precede changes in surface marker expression and cytokine/chemokine secretion, these phenotypic modifications are a consequence of a signal transduction profile that is specifically triggered by sensitisers and not by irritants. A limited number of studies have addressed this subject and the present review attempts to summarise and highlight all of the signalling pathways modulated by skin sensitisers and irritants. Furthermore, we conclude this review by focusing on the most promising strategies suitable for inclusion into a cell-based in vitro alternative approach to hazard identification.

Since the 7th amendment to the EU cosmetics directive foresees a complete ban on animal testing, alternative in vitro methods have been established to evaluate the sensitizing potential of small molecular weight compounds. To find out whether these novel in vitro assays are also capable to predict the sensitizing potential of small molecular weight drugs, model compounds such as beta-lactams and sulfonamides – which are the most frequent cause of adverse drug reactions – were co-incubated with THP-1, MUTZ-LC, or primary monocyte?derived dendritic cells for 48 h and subsequent expression of selected marker genes (IL-8, IL-1?, CES1, NQO1, GCLM, PIR and TRIM16) was studied by real time PCR. Benzylpenicillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin were recognized as sensitizing compounds because they are capable to induce the mRNA expression of these genes in moDCs and, except for IL-8, in THP-1 cells but not in MUTZ-LC. Ampicillin stimulated the expression of some marker genes in moDCs and THP-1 cells. SMX did not affect the expression of these genes in THP-1, however, in moDCs, at least PIR was enhanced and there was an increase of the release of IL-8. These data reveal that novel in vitro DC based assays might play a role in the evaluation of the allergenic potential of novel drug compounds, but these systems seem to lack the ability to detect the sensitizing potential of prohaptens that require metabolic activation prior to sensitization and moDCs seem to be superior with regard to the sensitivity compared with THP-1 and MUTZ-3 cell lines. -- Highlights: ? We tested the sensitizing potential of small molecular weight drugs in vitro. ? In vitro assays were performed with moDCs and THP-1 cells. ? Beta-lactam antibiotics can be recognized as sensitizing compounds. ? They affect the expression of metabolic enzymes, cytokines and transcription factors. ? Sulfamethoxazole has no measurable effect on THP-1 cells and moDCs.

Modelling of Casting, Welding, and Advanced Solidification Processing XI NON-MONOTONE TEMPERATURE anisotropy, such as a needle crystal or dendrite, the interface can develop periodic non-monotone temperature in the equilibrium temperature close to the highly curved tip. This minimum results in the tip temperature itself

M buffer solution. Initial attempts to observe the protein tetramer were unsuccessful (as in the case rather broad peaks for both dimer and tetramer. The tetramer appears in two separate envelopes, suggesting that the the charge states 20 to 22 between m/z 7000 and 8000 represent the native tetramer

defined taking into account data about known natural dispersal distances, and has been set for RBNB at 550 of the disease at these nurseries. 6. Infected and `nearby' (within 550m) stock amounts to some 5 million pine plants at these nurseries. Other stock further than 550m away from the nearest known infection can

Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195 Abstract - A flexible polyimide to carry elements such as amplifiers, battery or memory. The interconnecting scheme uses two polyimide base and the micro-electrodes, while the polyimide layers provide flexible insulation. The current

Algorithms are given for comformational optimization of proteins. The protein folding problems is regarded as a problem of global energy mimimization. Since proteins have hundreds of atoms, finding the lowest-energy conformation in a many-dimensional configuration space becomes a computationally demanding problem.{copyright} {ital American Institute of Physics.}

MSC numbers. ... This paper is based on part of the author's doctoral dissertation [Yip]. ... surface energy we use is anisotropic, smooth, and elliptic. .... data. How can we compare the overall effects of initial randomness and the fluctuations .... efficiently. We combine the machinery of geometric measure theory and stochastic ...

. Voltage-clamp recordings of IT obtained in intact and dissociated ventrobasal neurons were used oscillations and epilepsy. INTRODUCTION Rhythmic bursting is one of two characteristic ring patterns observed and perpetuation of certain oscillatory modes of cortical circuits, such as sleep oscillations and epileptic

The structure and dynamics of a hyperbranched polyesteramide (Hybrane® S 1200) polymer and its nanocomposites with natural montmorillonite (Na{sup +}-MMT) are investigated by XRD, DSC, QENS, DS and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation. In bulk, the energy-resolved elastically scattered intensity from the polymer exhibits two relaxation steps, one attributed to sub-T{sub g} motions and one observed at temperatures above the glass transition, T{sub g}. The QENS spectra measured over the complete temperature range are consistent with the elastic measurements and can be correlated to the results emerging from the detailed description afforded by the atomistic simulations, which predict the existence of three relaxation processes. Moreover, dielectric spectroscopy shows the sub- T{sub g} beta process as well as the segmental relaxation. For the nanocomposites, XRD reveals an intercalated structure for all hybrids with distinct interlayer distances due to polymer chains residing within the galleries of the Na{sup +}-MMT. The polymer chains confined within the galleries show similarities in the behavior with that of the polymer in the bulk for temperatures below the bulk polymer T{sub g}, whereas they exhibit frozen dynamics under confinement at temperatures higher than that.

with functional groups at a water–chloroform interface using microfluidic technology. Two polymeric layers can be assembled and disassembled at the droplet interface using the efficiency of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) host–guest supramolecular chemistry...

Delivery of pharmaceuticals to the inner ear via injection through the tympanic membrane is a method of local drug delivery that provides a non-invasive, outpatient procedure to treat many of the disorders and diseases ...

Interstitial fluid (ISF) provides information on a patient's health as it contains regulatory molecules that are correlated with disease-related processes. However, current ISF acquisition techniques can be slow, resulting ...

AFDC Printable Version Share this resource Send a link to EERE: Alternative Fuels Data Center Home Page to someone by E-mail Share EERE: Alternative Fuels Data Center Home Page on Facebook Tweet about EERE: Alternative Fuels Data Center Home Page on Twitter Bookmark EERE: Alternative Fuels Data Center Home Page onYou are now leaving Energy.gov You are now leaving Energy.gov You are being directedAnnualProperty EditCalifornia:PowerCER.pngRoofs and HeatOpenInformation

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in American men, leading to significant mortality each year. This is in part due to a lack of effective treatments for advanced disease. The prostate is considered an ideal ...

Using Monte Carlo simulations based on the bond fluctuation model we study the adsorption of starburst dendrimers with flexible spacers onto a flat surface. The calculations are performed for various generation number G and spacer length S in a wide range of the reduced temperature ? as the measure of the interaction strength between the monomers and the surface. Our simulations indicate a two-step adsorption scenario. Below the critical point of adsorption, ?{sub c}, a weakly adsorbed state of the dendrimer is found. Here, the dendrimer retains its shape but sticks to the surface by adsorbed spacers. By lowering the temperature below a spacer-length dependent value, ?*(S) < ?{sub c}, a step-like transition into a strongly adsorbed state takes place. In the flatly adsorbed state the shape of the dendrimer is well described by a mean field model of a dendrimer in two dimensions. We also performed simulations of star-polymers which display a simple crossover-behavior in full analogy to linear chains. By analyzing the order parameter of the adsorption transition, we determine the critical point of adsorption of the dendrimers which is located close to the critical point of adsorption for star-polymers. While the order parameter for the adsorbed spacers displays a critical crossover scaling, the overall order parameter, which combines both critical and discontinuous transition effects, does not display simple scaling. The step-like transition from the weak into the strong adsorbed regime is confirmed by analyzing the shape-anisotropy of the dendrimers. We present a mean-field model based on the concept of spacer adsorption which predicts a discontinuous transition of dendrimers due to an excluded volume barrier. The latter results from an increased density of the dendrimer in the flatly adsorbed state which has to be overcome before this state is thermodynamically stable.

Understanding over-limiting current (faster than diffusion) is a long-standing challenge in electrochemistry with applications in desalination and energy storage. Known mechanisms involve either chemical or hydrodynamic ...

A key feature of the mammalian brain is its capacity to adapt in response to experience, in part by remodeling of synaptic connections between neurons. Excitatory synapse rearrangements have been monitored in vivo by ...

solution of water, ethanol and ionic liquid based on formic acid and N,N-dimethylformamide. Experimental, ethanol, an ionic liquid based on formic acid and N,N-dimethylformamide, cadmium chloride and sel

fuel rods (2). While sorption has been primarily employed in nuclear waste management to treat aqueous nitric acid solutions in spent nuclear fuel processing facilities. Although SE and IX are well streams is a key compo- nent of the uranium nuclear fuel cycle (1­4). Uranyl [U(VI)] is the most stable

with transposon mediated gene transfer to obtain stable expression of Doxycycline (Dox) regulated transgenes and Dox added onto the chorioallointoic membrane from E7.5 to E16. Expression of EGFP had no effect

We formulate the configurational partition function for dendrimers, taking explicit account of their conformations and segmental interactions. Two approximate schemes are presented, one based on the effective dendrimer-dendrimer interactions and the other based on the interactions among the mesogenic units comprising the dendrimers. In the latter scheme, the description of the dendromesogenic system reduces to that of an ensemble of mesogenic dimers. Results of lattice calculations for phase transitions are presented showing that the minimal inclusion of shape anisotropy and of sub-molecular partitioning into chemically distinct parts reproduces the variety of phases and phase sequences observed experimentally and provides insights into the conformational aspect of these transitions.

-type BMDCs. The authors next investigated how KIT might be stimulated to induce IL-6 production-6 production after allergen stimulation. High-level expression of both KIT and SCF on allergen-stimulated with that encoding IL-6, the gene encoding KIT was signifi- cantly upregulated in BMDCs after cholera toxin treatment

CYANIDE-DEGRADING ENZYMES FOR BIOREMEDIATION A Thesis by LACY JAMEL BASILE Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE... August 2008 Major Subject: Microbiology CYANIDE-DEGRADING ENZYMES FOR BIOREMEDIATION A Thesis by LACY JAMEL BASILE Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements...

An electrothermal hydrodynamic model is presented to evaluate effects of the applied lightning impulse voltage parameters such as polarity, magnitude, and rise time on the initiation and propagation of the streamers formed ...

spoil, and hard coal spoil heaps are the consequences of fossil fuels and mineral extraction and are examples of large scale land transformation. Although land area directly affected by mining of minerals, 2012). From an ecological point of view, reclamation is a process of restoring the ecosystem (Hüttl

Many manufacturing firms have improved their operations by implementing a work-in-process (WIP) limiting control strategy. This project explores the application of this concept to limit WIP and reduce cycle time for the ...

-mediated hemolysis, the assay was modified as follows. Bacteria (107 cells in 50 #5;l of phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) were combined with 50 #5;l of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or recombinant protein in PBS and allowed to incubate at 37°C for 30 min. This mixture... titers ranged from 6,400 to 25,600. Shigella polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to IpaB, IpaC, and IpaD have been previously described (24, 41). Purification of IgG. One milliter of rabbit serum was passed over 0.5 ml of PBS-equilibrated protein A...

, these errors can be caused by the brain shifting when the skull is drilled, measurement errors due be considered, if the tumor growth can be stopped by gamma rays or, if it is filled with fluid, which properties this fluid does have. The first step the physician has to perform after scanning the patient is to establish

electroscope bulb, causing the needle to deflect. What is the net charge on the bulb and on the needle? (A) Positive on the bulb, negative on the needle. (B) Negative on the bulb, positive on the needle. (C) Positive on both the bulb and the needle. (D) Negative on both the bulb and the needle. 3. A solid

experienced considerable progress:~,2JNucleation and growth kinetic laws have been coupled with transient heat phenomena occurring during equiaxed alloy solidification. II. MATHEMATICAL FORMULATION The physical system and adiabatic, except for the west wall which is subject to con- vective cooling for t > 0. The coolant

nano- particles, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, nanodendrites, and shape- controlled nanoparticles have been reported.2 Pt nanostructures with hollow interiors (nanoshells) are rare,3 even though Emulsion droplets have long been used as templates for synthesizing hollow nanostructures composed of glass

inflammation. In this study, we have characterized the DCs from the lung draining lymph nodes of mice immunized is determined by the DC phenotype in lung draining lymph nodes. The Journal of Immunology, 2005, 174: 854­863. P and costimulatory molecules (8). This paradigm has certainly been demonstrated in the lungs since lung parenchymal

to maturation of DC. LVP-treatment prior to TLR3 stimulation by polyI:C only enhanced the secretion of IL-12, IL-RNA replication and type I IFN synthesis. This, however, did not lead to viral particle production nor-inflammatory cytokines. Their ability to stimulate allogeneic T lymphocytes was strongly affected since activated T cells

Two-Photon Intravital Imaging of Lungs during Anthrax Infection Reveals Long-Lasting Macrophage ; Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, Paris, Francee The dynamics of the lung immune system at the microscopic level. In this study, we developed an improved intravital method for two-photon lung imaging uniquely based

The coding regions for full-length LacI and the LacI-11 variant were subcloned from the genome of DH5a E. coli to the plasmid pHG165c. LacI-11 has a stop codon that is inserted 11 amino acids from the 30-end of the gene, which disrupts the tetramerization.... The duration of the growth assays ranged from #2;500 to 1500min. At the end of the assay for one slow-growing lactose culture, pH of the media was tested and found to be close to the starting pH. Time to OD600=1 was determined by linear regression of the data...

The Advanced LIGO and Virgo experiments are poised to detect gravitational waves (GWs) directly for the first time this decade. The ultimate prize will be joint observation of a compact binary merger in both gravitational and electromagnetic channels. However, GW sky locations that are uncertain by hundreds of square degrees will pose a challenge. I describe a real-time detection pipeline and a rapid Bayesian parameter estimation code that will make it possible to search promptly for optical counterparts in Advanced LIGO. Having analyzed a comprehensive population of simulated GW sources, we describe the sky localization accuracy that the GW detector network will achieve as each detector comes online and progresses toward design sensitivity. Next, in preparation for the optical search with the intermediate Palomar Transient Factory (iPTF), we have developed a unique capability to detect optical afterglows of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM). Its comparable error regions offer a close parallel to the Advanced LIGO problem, but Fermi's unique access to MeV-GeV photons and its near all-sky coverage may allow us to look at optical afterglows in a relatively unexplored part of the GRB parameter space. We present the discovery and broadband follow-up observations of eight GBM-iPTF afterglows. Two of the bursts are at low redshift, are sub-luminous with respect to "standard" cosmological bursts, and have spectroscopically confirmed broad-line type Ic supernovae. These two bursts are possibly consistent with mildly relativistic shocks breaking out from the progenitor envelopes rather than the standard mechanism of internal shocks within an ultra-relativistic jet. On a technical level, the GBM-iPTF effort is a prototype for locating and observing optical counterparts of GW events in Advanced LIGO with the Zwicky Transient Facility.

for coincident gamma-ray detections in multiple satellites. One event, from July 2, 1967, stood out (figure 1-rays, gamma rays (sometimes written as -rays), and neutrons that are produced in copious numbers in the first's atmosphere essentially blocks X-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons from space. While the signatures of nuclear

We apply off-axis electron holography and Lorentz microscopy in the transmission electron microscope to map the electric field generated by a sharp biased metallic tip. A combination of experimental data and modelling provides quantitative information about the potential and the field around the tip. Close to the tip apex, we measure a maximum field intensity of 82 MV/m, corresponding to a field k factor of 2.5, in excellent agreement with theory. In order to verify the validity of the measurements, we use the inferred charge density distribution in the tip region to generate simulated phase maps and Fresnel (out-of-focus) images for comparison with experimental measurements. While the overall agreement is excellent, the simulations also highlight the presence of an unexpected astigmatic contribution to the intensity in a highly defocused Fresnel image, which is thought to result from the geometry of the applied field.

's basketball team became an international sensation this spring, traveling to Spain and dominating games traveled to Spain. Number of consecutive wins by Caltech over Spanish teams. Average number of points traveled in Spain by the team for games and sightseeing. 15 3 65 174 1,535 BY THE NUMBERS --Phil Baty

. The Captain's hand brushed the lacy leaf of a plant from a distant world, and it closed abruptly at his touch, and suddenly he was overcome with loneliness. There was noth ing he could do to stop the emotion and 1t drove him Into her arms with disquieting...

, daughter of William Demetris Lacy who was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and second judge of the Mu- nicipality of Colorado. They had two children; a daughter, Mary Francis, and a son who died at the age of four months. Fannie died...

MEAT-TYPE BIRDS Once the birds have been selected remove feed from them for 8-12 hr to allow not to break the gall bladder. This is a sac filled with dark green fluid that, upon contact, will cause meat you can freeze the carcasses for later use. Sander J. E. and M. P. Lacy, 1994. Management Guide

color, depending on cultivar, varies from green to red to purple to a marble pattern composed of varying lacy look and fine texture to plants. Spring and fall foliage colors are quite vibrant and can, summer and fall foliage, smooth bark, and interesting form make is suitable for specimen tree status

are in the apprentice or full program. 1. Please list the numbers of the courses that you feel seem most likely to i* *nterest you, in order of preference. (If you are in the apprentice program, please list* * 5 five through eight. 5. LACI BABAI. APPRENTICE PROGRAM: NUMBER THEORY AND LIN- EAR ALGEBRA

give your name and say whether you are in the apprentice or full program. 1. Please list the numbers are in the apprentice program, please list 5 first.) 2. Please list any other topics that you feel you would most like. LACI BABAI. APPRENTICE PROGRAM: NUMBER THEORY AND LIN- EAR ALGEBRA. 1 #12;

, Gregory S. Chirikjian and Allison M. Okamura Nonholonomic Modeling of Needle Steering Published by: http://www.me.jhu.edu/ Nonholonomic Modeling of Needle Steering Abstract As a flexible needle with a bevel tip is pushed through soft kinematics, control, and path planning, an ap- propriately designed needle can be steered through tissue

Considerable evidence indicates that the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunits NR2A and NR2B are critical mediators of synaptic plasticity and dendritogenesis; however, how they differentially regulate these processes is unclear. ...

Poly(para-phenylene ethynylene)s (PPE)s are highly emissive conjugated polymers that are easily quenched by target analytes. As a result, they have been increasingly incorporated into sensing platforms, both as chemosensors ...

One of the parameters with highest impact on photovoltaic module cost is manufacturing yield during solar cell production. Yield is, to a great extent, directly affected by the crystallization technique used to grow the ...

A fuel injection system has the ability to produce two different spray patterns depending on the positioning of a needle control valve member. Positioning of the needle control valve member determines which of the two needle control chambers are placed in a low pressure condition. First and second needle valve members have closing hydraulic surfaces exposed to fluid pressure in the two needle control chambers. The injector preferably includes a homogenous charge nozzle outlet set and a conventional nozzle outlet set controlled respectively, by the first and second needle valve members.

(Member) Ann B. Kier (Head of Department) December 1998 Major Subject: Veterinary Pathobiology ABSTRACT Ontogeny of Heterophil Function in Neonatal Chicks by Administration of Salmonella Enteri tidi s-Immune Lymphokines. (December 1998) Lacy Lynne... concluded a relationship exists between the age of the chick, the functional activity of the heterophil, and the susceptibility to organ invasion by Salmonella, Secondly, immunoprophylactic administration of Salmonella enreri tidis-immune lymphokines...

. This material balance is unique in that it allows the oil reserves to be determined directly, while all previous ones were concerned with cal- culation of oil initially in place. Sage and Lacy introduced an "occlusion factor", which takes 9. account... be used to more accurately esti- mate reserves. In 1943 Gook published a report in which he described the 10 derivation and application of the material balance equation to the Mag- nolia Field and stated that since gas volumes are measured...

. Late afternoon problem sessions are in E206. THIRD WEEK: Date Apprentice Probability Number Theory:30Â­12:00 1:00Â­2:30 3:00Â­4:30 During the 3rd week, all apprentice classes will be held by Laci Babai for other classes will be MWF 4:30Â­6:00 and at other times to be determined. FOURTH WEEK: Date Apprentice

], for an axisymmetric paraboloidal dendrite, and Emmerich [2], for a two-dimensional parabolic plate dendrite, extended in the melt, where the growth Peclet number depends also on the Prandtl number [3]. Emmerich [2] also modified

to the target that avoids obstacles. We then use a novel control algorithm to steer the needle along the path-Guided 3D Needle Steering in Biological Tissue Momen Abayazid · Gustaaf J. Vrooijink · Sachin Patil · Ron a system capable of automat- ically steering bevel-tip flexible needles under ultrasound guidance towards

Within the Ras superfamily of GTPases, Rap1 and Rap2 are the closest homologs to Ras. In non-neural cells, Rap signaling can antagonize Ras signaling. In neurons, Rap also seems to oppose Ras in terms of synaptic function. ...

A study has been made of the passive film remaining over pits on stainless steel using a high resolution transmission electron microscope. Type 305 stainless steel was passivated in a borate buffer solution and pitted in ferric chloride. Passive films formed at 0.2 V relative to a saturated calomel electrode were found to be amorphous. Films formed at higher potentials showed only broad diffraction rings. The passive film was found to cover a remnant lacy structure formed over pits passivated at 0.8 V. The metallic strands of the lace were roughly hemitubular in shape with the curved surface facing the center of the pit.

welcome distractions. I have spent many happy hours on some form of water or on the real tennis court, which as well as endless fun and many friends, has provided me with the space sometimes needed from my studies. To Mum and Dad – thank you for your... AGN from starforming galaxies (Lacy et al. 2004). X-ray power, emission lines in the optical spectra and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) features can also be using to distinguish different source types. Recent work in the Extended Chandra Deep...

We describe a lateral transiliac direct puncture approach to the S1 vertebral body for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cementoplasty of painful metastatic lesions. This approach was performed using a 15-cm-long trocar needle with 3-mm outer diameter, introduced under general anesthesia and fluoroscopic control. A lateral projection was used to center the needle just in front of the spinal canal and subjacent to the superior plate of the S1 vertebral body. Needle progression was controlled using anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic projections alternately with a needle course parallel to an axial plane, avoiding conflict with the S1 foramen. After needle tip placement in the center of the S1 vertebral body, diluted PMMA with a setting time of 8 min was delivered. Ipsilateral lesions of the lateral sacral compartment were filled with the same needle by stepwise withdrawal and continuous PMMA injection.

? them in an insulated cooler with ice packs during the summer. In cold weather, use the same container to keep vaccines from freezing. Freezing makes some vaccines ineffective. If vaccines do not require ? refrigeration, store them out of direct... needle or a transfer needle. Use a clean needle for ? each animal to prevent the transmission of disease. for protecting meat quality. Always use this method if it is an option given on the label. Intramuscularly (IM). ? This injection goes...

Microcalcifications geographically target the location of abnormalities within the breast and are of critical importance in breast cancer diagnosis. However, despite stereotactic guidance, core needle biopsy fails to ...

An apparatus for delivering a fluid into a container has a carriage movably associated with a holding mechanism along an axis. A piston is attached to the carriage and a cylinder is slidably attached to the piston along the axis. The cylinder has a hole formed therein that extends along the axis. A needle extending along the axis is attached to the piston and passes through the cylinder hole. The needle has a first operative position relative to the piston when the needle is retracted within the cylinder and a second operative position relative to the piston when the needle extends from the cylinder.

Mammalian cortical development involves neuronal migration and neuritogenesis; this latter process forms the structural precursors to axons and dendrites. Elucidating the pathways that regulate the cytoskeleton to drive ...

, and electrodermal response (EDR) were measured along with the times of needle insertion, interim needle stimulation and electrodermal responses (EDR) [1]­[12]. The results of these individual studies, in which commonly used APs] determined that activation of an auricular AP decreased a stimulus-induced EDR while Wang and Cain [13

experiments were performed and showed that: i) at the kinetic level, Tat induced IDO expression before,3 dioxygenase (IDO) expression, and dendritic cells (DC) dysfunction were often associated with AIDS disease from HIV-1 Lai and SF-2 strains on the expression of IDO, in Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo

from another neuron or a sensory cell Step 2: This causes sodium channels in the dendrites to open down the axon, until it reaches the end. Here's where Schwann cells come in Some axons are "naked order thinking Kinds of Cells in NS A Neuron Dendrites receive signals from other cells. The axon

as the stitch is formed. ? Pressure dial or screw-controls the amount of pressure placed on the presser foot as fabric is led by the feed dog. Some newer models do not need manual pressure control because they are self-adjusting. ? Needle-part through which... thread flows in making the stitch. ? Presser foot-holds fabric in place around the needle. ? Feed dogs-toothed edges which move back and forth to pull fabric under the presser foot and past the needle. ? Throat plate-metal area around feed dogs...

The growth of snow crystals is dependent on the temperature and saturation of the environment. In the case of dendrites, Reiter's local two-dimensional model provides a realistic approach to the study of dendrite growth. In this paper we obtain a new geometric rule that incorporates interface control, a basic mechanism of crystallization that is not taken into account in the original Reiter's model. By defining two new variables, growth latency and growth direction, our improved model gives a realistic model not only for dendrite but also for plate forms.

crystals such as the one shown in Fig. l. However, dendritic crystals such as the one shown in Fig, 2 were easily grown in the pressure chamber. Thus, this work is concerned primarily with the effect of pressure upon the morphology of dendritic... an investigation of ef- fects at greater pressures. Effect of Pressure Upon the Crystallization Process An inspection of Figs. 4, 7, and 8, in that order, reveals a notice- able effect of pressure upon the morphology of the dendrites. The fig- ures show...

This disclosure describes an apparatus to improve the web growth attainable from prior web growth configurations. This apparatus modifies the heat loss at the growth interface in a manner that minimizes thickness variations across the web, especially regions of the web adjacent to the two bounding dendrites. In the unmodified configuration, thinned regions of web, adjacent to the dendrites, were found to be the origin of crystal degradation which ultimately led to termination of the web growth. According to the present invention, thinning adjacent to the dendrites is reduced and the incidence of crystal degradation is similarly reduced.

An experimental study was performed to understand the atomization process in the specialized printing method which consists of the high frequency oscillating motion of a needle and a micro air jet. Highly viscous liquids, ...

We introduce the theoretical basis of a new form of remanent magnetization that likely formed on primitive bodies in the solar system. Accretional detrital remanent magnetization (ADRM) operates via “compass needle”-type ...

Military intelligence analysts are increasingly tasked to sift through enormous volumes of data to identify the proverbial intelligence "needle in a haystack." One specific domain exemplifying this new intelligence paradigm ...

to be only temporary. See fact sheet 5.544, Ponderosa Pine Needle Miners. Aspen leafminer: Several insects mine the leaves of aspen. The most common ones produce long, twisting, serpentine mines. This insect

An injectable hydrogel for controlled release of methylprednisolone was designed based on the inflammatory response during acute spinal cord injury. The gel is injectable through a small gauge needle, cross-links under ...

Flashover formation and expansion mechanisms on the surfaces of different dielectrics immersed in transformer oil have been numerically analyzed. Streamers emanating from a needle electrode tend to transform to surface ...

The rapid development of needle-free injection systems demands better and faster imaging systems, capable of imaging the transient and steady state response of an injection into real tissue. X-ray radiography, x-ray ...

This thesis describes the development of a voice-coil motor that will allow viscous fluids to be delivered via a portable needle-free injection device. The chosen motor design features opposing magnets whose flux is channeled ...

on dirty needles or crack pipes; where they can confide in someone who respects and cares about them Practices) training, courtesy of the Center. "In addition to making some extra money and gaining job

Arrays of hollow microneedles have been proposed to achieve painless injection and infusion of drug that serve as the microfluidic needle bores for injection or infusion, which terminate in side-opening holes

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a prototypic neurotrophin that regulates diverse developmental events from the selection of neural progenitors to the terminal dendritic differentiation and connectivity of ...

generation of dendritic and axonal trees are defined. Experiments with various stochastic L-system models for pyramidal, motoneuron, and Purkinje cells are reported which generate synthetic neurons with promising proximity to neurons in the neurobiology...

Erratum In vivo imaging of C. elegans ASH neurons: cellular response and adaptation to chemical neurons highlighted. From the ASH cell body, the dendrite runs anteriorly until the tip of the head ending

Glutamate has been shown to lead to neurotoxicity and subsequent neurodegeneration through changes in synaptic function, loss of glutamatergic neurons, synapses, and dendrites. All of these characteristics are also observed ...

Purpose: Surgical procedures require dexterity, expertise and repetition to reach optimal patient outcomes. However, efficient training opportunities are usually limited. This work presents a simulator system with realistic haptic force-feedback and full, real-time ultrasounds image simulation. Methods: The simulator is composed of a custom-made Linear-DELTA force-feedback robotic platform. The needle tip is mounted on a force gauge at the end effector of the robot, which responds to needle insertion by providing reaction forces. 3D geometry of the tissue is using a tetrahedral finite element mesh (FEM) mimicking tissue properties. As the needle is inserted/retracted, tissue deformation is computed using a mass-tensor nonlinear visco-elastic FEM. The real-time deformation is fed to the L-DELTA to take into account the force imparted to the needle, providing feedback to the end-user when crossing tissue boundaries or needle bending. Real-time 2D US image is also generated synchronously showing anatomy, needle insertion and tissue deformation. The simulator is running on an Intel I7 6- core CPU at 3.26 MHz. 3D tissue rendering and ultrasound display are performed on a Windows 7 computer; the FEM computation and L-DELTA control are executed on a similar PC using the Neutrino real-time OS. Both machines communicate through an Ethernet link. Results: The system runs at 500 Hz for a 8333-tetrahedron tissue mesh and a 100-node angular spring needle model. This frame rate ensures a relatively smooth displacement of the needle when pushed or retracted (±20 N in all directions at speeds of up to 2 m/s). Unlike commercially-available haptic platforms, the oblong workspace of the L-DELTA robot complies with that required for brachytherapy needle displacements of 0.1m by 0.1m by 0.25m. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a real-life, realistic brachytherapy simulator developed for prostate implants (LDR/HDR). The platform could be adapted to other sites or training for other types of needle-based procedures.

The purpose of this article is to report our clinical experience with out-of-plane computed-tomography (CT)-guided biopsies using a magnetic-field-based navigation system. Between February 2002 and March 2003, 20 patients underwent CT-guided biopsy in which an adjunct magnetic-field-based navigation system was used to aid an out-of-plane biopsy approach. Eighteen patients had an underlying primary malignancy. All biopsies involved the use of a coaxial needle system in which an outer 18G guide needle was inserted to the lesion using the navigation system and an inner 22G needle was then used to obtain fine-needle aspirates. Complications and technical success were recorded. Target lesions were located in the adrenal gland (n = 7), liver (n = 6), pancreas (n = 3), lung (n = 2), retroperitoneal lymph node (n = 1), and pelvis (n = 1). The mean lesion size (maximum transverse diameter) was 26.5 mm (range: 8-70 mm) and the mean and median cranial-caudal distance, between the transaxial planes of the final needle tip location and the needle insertion site, was 40 mm (range: 18-90 mm). Needle tip positioning was successfully placed within the lesion in all 20 biopsies. A diagnosis of malignancy was obtained in 14 biopsies. Benign diagnoses were encountered in the remaining six biopsies and included a benign adrenal gland (n = 2), fibroelastic tissue (n = 1), hepocytes with steatosis (n = 2) and reactive hepatocytes (n = 1). No complications were encountered. A magnetic-field-based navigation system is an effective adjunct tool for accurate and safe biopsy of lesions that require an out-of-plane CT approach.

solutions were exact replicates of Mg-calcites formed within the marine environment. Th1s implies that the 20 composition of the cement cannot be determined on the basis of crystal morphology alone (Badiozamani et al, 1977). The literature on carbonate... in that needle-fiber cements are the needles of calcite growing on minute root hairs (Ward, 1975). Care should be taken not to confuse the two. ~S he uiitic c me ts are also aao ite cemeets. The eedias th t comprise the cone shaped bundles are from 1-5 u wide...

can cause significant miscalculation of the quantity of a given residue present in a sample. After calibrating the syringe, a 1 ul volume of clean petrol- eum ether was drawn. The needle was then removed from the clean 18 Anakrom ABS. The analyzer... measured on the gas chromatograph, an error of 0. 2 ul can cause significant miscalculation of the quantity of a given residue present in a sample. After calibrating the syringe, a 1 ul volume of clean petrol- eum ether was drawn. The needle...

A habitat quality assessment was performed within selected portions of the proposed Area C Borrow Source. The previously identified Bitterbrush / Indian ricegrass stabilized dune element occurrence was determined to be better described as a sagebrush /needle-and-thread grass element occurrence of fair to good quality. A new habitat polygon is suggested adjacent to this element occurrence, which would also be sagebrush/needle-and-thread grass, but of poor quality. The proposed site of initial borrow site development was found to be a very low quality community dominated by cheatgrass.

The invention relates to the formation of synthesized fractal constructs and the methods of chemical self-assembly for the preparation of a non-dendritic, nano-scale, fractal constructs or molecules. More particularly, the invention relates to fractal constructs formed by molecular self-assembly, to create synthetic, nanometer-scale fractal shapes. In an embodiment, a nanoscale Sierpinski hexagonal gasket is formed. This non-dendritic, perfectly self-similar fractal macromolecule is comprised of bisterpyridine building blocks that are bound together by coordination to (36) Ru and (6) Fe ions to form a nearly planar array of increasingly larger hexagons around a hollow center.

The invention relates to the formation of synthesized fractal constructs and the methods of chemical self-assembly for the preparation of a non-dendritic, nano-scale, fractal constructs or molecules. More particularly, the invention relates to fractal constructs formed by molecular self-assembly, to create synthetic, nanometer-scale fractal shapes. In an embodiment, a nanoscale Sierpinski hexagonal gasket is formed. This non-dendritic, perfectly self-similar fractal macromolecule is comprised of bisterpyridine building blocks that are bound together by coordination to 36 Ru and 6 Fe ions to form a nearly planar array of increasingly larger hexagons around a hollow center.

This report examines the cost-effective manufacture of dendritic-web-based photovoltaic modules. It explains how process changes can increase production and reduce manufacturing costs. Long-range benefits of these improved processes are also discussed. Problems are identified that could impede increasing production and reducing costs; approaches to solve these problems are presented. These approaches involve web growth throughput, cell efficiency, process yield, silicon use, process control, automation, and module efficiency. Also discussed are the benefits of bifacial module design, unique to the dendritic web process.

Titanium was irradiated in pure nitrogen gas by means of a free electron laser. The treatment resulted in the formation of -TiNx layers, with surface stoichiometry of x {approx} 1. Under certain circumstances the nitride phase showed an almost perfect crystallographic texture with the delta-TiNx(200) planes parallel to the irradiated surface, and well aligned dendrites growing normal to the surface. The mechanism of the dendritic alignment and the origin of the texture correlate with the existence of a solidification front starting at the surface, which is very peculiar for laser surface treatments. This phenomenon is explained with the help of numerical simulations.

Solution annealed and water quenched duplex and super duplex stainless steels are thermodynamically metastable systems at room temperature. These systems do not migrate spontaneously to a thermodynamically stable condition because an energy barrier separates the metastable and stable states. However, any heat input they receive, for example through isothermal treatment or through prolonged exposure to a voltaic arc in the welding process, cause them to reach a condition of stable equilibrium which, for super duplex stainless steels, means precipitation of intermetallic and carbide phases. These phases include the sigma phase, which is easily identified from its morphology, and its influence on the material's impact strength. The purpose of this work was to ascertain how 2-hour isothermal heat treatments at 920 deg. C and 980 deg. C affect the microstructure of ASTM A890/A890M GR 6A super duplex stainless steel. The sigma phase morphologies were found to be influenced by these two aging temperatures, with the material showing a predominantly lacy microstructure when heat treated at 920 deg. C and block-shaped when heat treated at 980 deg. C.

of these needles is controlled by solenoids requiring higher than the automobile battery supply voltage drives. Solenoid fuel injectors will expose the injector driver to a pulsating inductive load current amount of charge in a short period of time in the form of a particular output current waveform [4

Purpose: We report a new minimally invasive technique of extraction of cement leakage following percutaneous vertebroplasty in adults. Methods: Seven adult patients (five women, two men; mean age: 81 years) treated for vertebral compression fractures by percutaneous vertebroplasty had cement leakage into perivertebral soft tissues along the needle route. Immediately after vertebroplasty, the procedure of extraction was performed under computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy guidance: a Chiba needle was first inserted using the same route as the vertebroplasty until contact was obtained with the cement fragment. This needle was then used as a guide for an 11-gauge Trocar t'am (Thiebaud, France). After needle withdrawal, a 13-gauge endoscopy clamp was inserted through the cannula to extract the cement fragments. The whole procedure was performed under local anesthesia. Results: In each patient, all cement fragments were withdrawn within 10 min, without complication. Conclusions: This report suggests that this CT- and fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous technique of extraction could reduce the rate of cement leakage-related complications.

to the McAlpin Collection of British History and Theology. Housed in Union's Burke Library, the Mc in the text or appended at the conclusion. I knew the types of documents I was seeking but did not know all of needles. The Burke Library staff, espe- cially Michael Boddy, Seth Kasten, and Library Director Sara J

, bevel-tip medical needles, planning curvature-constrained channels in 3D printed implants for targeted for perturbations. Our ap- proach can also be used for designing optimized channel layouts within 3D printed is the design of multiple bounded curvature channels in intracavitary 3D printed im- plants through which

that before proceeding. You're going to feel a small pinch." said the doctor as he inserted a small needle with this Mr. Abet Cedings; this technology isn't even known to most people so far." The doctor said as he put my blood onto a rack full of vials. "Your test results could very well push this technology

of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or rubber tubing, a collection chamber made from glass tubing, and a filter made of nylon stockings or pantyhose (Fig. 1). Rubber or PVC tubing of 8-mm (5/16- in.) external source), and needle-nose pliers. Generally, only a 41-cm (16- in.) section of the PVC tubing is necessary

. A calculation procedure according to the IIW guideline is brought into discussion to assess the fatigue was issued [5] and a guideline was created [6]. In the last two decades UIT has been further developed is generated by ultrasonic transducer vibrations at the rear end of a freely axially moving needle indenter

. with floating needles of ice. it comes people rush t o C O V B ~ . To breathe the pogonip is death t o the lungs that it goes clear down i n t o the lungs without melting. a whole Indian tribe a c r o s ~the Wyoming line

, being over-the-needle catheters without wings with a transparent hub and were both 212 made of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP-Teflon®). 213 The lack of students’ experience in catheter insertion may have been a greater factor in 214...

-pitch blades is tested in UCSC's wind tunnel. The turbine is used to test how varying the blade angle affects the turbine's rotational speed at different wind speeds. The data are used to determine how the blade angle 27 Appendix A Wind Turbine Data 29 Appendix B Converting Blade Pitch to Needle Angle 33 Appendix C

and ignited; burning sap from the tree spread the fire after dripping onto the needle-strewn ground beneath... Eleven local teens are completing a variety of projects throughout the Lake City community as part. The workers worked on an irrigation system with Town Trustee Henry Woods for the new cottonless cottonwoods

or antemortem test results. The submitting veterinarian must sign the submis- sion form. This kit will also parame- ters support both diagnostic and educational uses. #12;Field Necropsy Kit College of Veterinary and 18 G x 1 ½" needles for fluid aspiration You may want a supply of extra scalpel blades

. In this system, a scaled real-time video image of the workspace of a small robotic arm, taken from a surgical. The robot arm holds a small tool, such as a microsurgical needle holder or microsurgical forceps, and the surgeon grasps a second tool connected to a position encoder, in this case, a second robot arm. The views

and radiofrequency ablation needles for cancer therapy. Each was mechanically coupled to a piezoelectric buzzer contrast, lack of depth infor- mation and the risks of ionizing radiation to both patient and health care the tissue contrast and depth limitations. However, the patients are exposed to a larger radiation dose

calcium phosphate (CaP+CaCO3) cements have been developed. The common point in these cements was that they all utilized single-phase CaCO3 (calcite or vaterite) in their powder components. The major phase with some varying amounts of unreacted CaCO3. Calcite powders used were needle-like or acicular in shape

Methods are disclosed for manufacturing a self-supporting substrate having a plurality of spaced-apart needles (spikes or microcapillaries) projecting upwardly from a major surface of the substrate. In a preferred method, metal is deposited onto a porous membrane such that the metal extends into the pores, after which the membrane is dissolved. 9 figures.

at the open end will migrate to the tip of the needle). Sometimes, a tiny air bubble forms at the tip with omega dot fiber (e.g. Frederick Haer & Co, # 30-30-0). The settings will be different for each machine

The search for "a quantum needle in a quantum haystack" is a metaphor for the problem of finding out which one of a permissible set of unitary mappings---the oracles---is implemented by a given black box. Grover's algorithm solves this problem with quadratic speed-up as compared with the analogous search for "a classical needle in a classical haystack." Since the outcome of Grover's algorithm is probabilistic---it gives the correct answer with high probability, not with certainty---the answer requires verification. For this purpose we introduce specific test states, one for each oracle. These test states can also be used to realize "a classical search for the quantum needle" which is deterministic---it always gives a definite answer after a finite number of steps---and faster by a factor of 3.41 than the purely classical search. Since the test-state search and Grover's algorithm look for the same quantum needle, the average number of oracle queries of the test-state search is the classical benchmark for Grover's algorithm.

Helium corona-assisted air discharge Nan Jiang, Lei Gao, Ailing Ji, and Zexian Caoa) Institute of non-thermal plasmas. By taking advantage of the low onset voltage for helium corona, air discharge was successfully launched at much reduced voltages with a needle-plate system partly contained in a helium

innovati nEnergy Innovation Portal Brings DOE Technologies to the Market For venture capitalists solution used to be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Now, a searchable treasure trove of innovative U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) technologies is available. Created by the National Renewable Energy

Salt Creek Canyon, Canyonlands, Utah, May 2010 One week after the fact, at the tail the week following UM's graduation, and reserving backcountry camp sites in Canyonlands' Salt Creek Canyon. The itinerary would take us from the south end of Salt Creek Canyon to the Needles' District visitor center

the form of thin sheet. Non conventional experiments are performed on cross-shaped samples in order of needle-B sensor, H-coil sensors and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) respectively. Both anhysteretic forming and assembly processes (cutting, stacking, welding, ...). The objective of this paper is to give

the following precautions: · Use unbreakable tubes (i.e., not glass). · Avoid overfilling the tubes. · Use by observing the following precautions: · Use non-breakable equipment (i.e., not glass). · Ensure that vacuum moistened with an appropriate disinfectant when removing the needle from the rubber-stoppered bottle

. This syringe series is unique, as the sample is held in the stainless steel needle. The tungsten plunger wire resistance to plunger movement is felt. Use of pliers on the knurled hub nut may be required to achieve this tightness. The black PTFE-coated plunger sleeve makes it easy to read the exact volume. Two sizes of spacers

. Alt require backfilling with oil (or other liquid). Reasonable spare parts are provided. All units be backfilled with oil (or other non-compressible fluid) before attachment on injector. Silicone or mineral oil.e., disposable spinal needle. The "Nanoject" will not operate properly without oil! The three control switches

Proceedings of 2009 Nanyang Research Programme NRP Project Code SPMS4 Fluid Needles: transforming. In this project, a shock-wave generator imposes this acceleration onto a liquid meniscus inside a capillary to an external power source that discharges voltages according to user settings. A simplified sketch

step, the CO2 from the released ice core air is separated from the bulk air (N2, O2 and Ar) using air from the ice sample is released using a dedicated extraction device (sublimation, needle cracker cryogenic trapping. Third, a gas chromatographic column purifies the CO2 sample from other trace gases

alternative is rock or other noncombustible material; avoid bark or wood chip mulch in this area. 6 needles and leaves to eliminate an ignition source for firebrands, especially during the hot, dry weather escape drill. Know where safety areas are within your subdivision. Meadows, rock outcrops, and wide roads

source for many animals. Limber pine populations are declin- ing due to a combination of white pine such as rocks or stumps. Introduction Limber pine (Pinus flexilis) is a distinctive five-needled white pine-compete the shade-intolerant limber pine as the habitat nears succes- sional maturity (Baumeister and Callaway 2006

systems. The Augmented Reality (AR) paradigm illustrates this trend. Virtual information or new action Computer Interaction has been to extend the sensory-motor capabilities of computer systems to combine with perfect control of the needle position and trajectory. The danger involves puncturing anatomical

,the Seabed Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) has been designed and deployed in support of such tasks off fuels. Many forested areas that burned in October 2003 probably burned much more completely than,and disease [Predictive Services, 2003].After the fine canopy fuels (needles, leaves,twigs,etc.) fall

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Saskatchewan Health ResearchWith Impact No More Needles VolkerGerdts,associatedirectorofresearchatUofS'sVIDOUofSVaccineandInfectiousDisease Organization (VIDO)-International Vaccine Centre (InterVac). "That's what the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aboutVIDO-InterVac, visit: Produced by University Research Communications 306-966-2506 THE RESEARCH

. Index Terms--Magnetic resonance imaging, Surgical guid- ance/navigation, Bragg gratings, Needle). One motivation for real-time imaging is due to organ and target motion. In neurosurgery, entering. R. Cutkosky are with the Center for Design Re- search within the Department of Mechanical

A Cellular Automata Model of the Spread of HIV in a Community of Injection Drug Users Vahid (CSMG), The IRMACS Centre Simon Fraser University Background Intravenous drug users (IDU) sharing needles for injecting illicit drugs are highly vulnerable to HIV infection because transmission

The human pathogen Yersinia pestis requires the assembly of the type III secretion system (T3SS) for virulence. The structural component of the T3SS contains an external needle and a tip complex, which is formed by LcrV ...

The purpose of this study was to assess a new open system with a field-strength of 1.0 T for the feasibility of liver biopsy using the freehand technique with fast continuous imaging. Fifty patients with focal liver lesions measuring 5 to 30 mm in diameter were included in the study. Guidance and monitoring was performed using a 1.0-T open magnetic resonance (MR) scanner (Panorama HFO; Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands). With fast continuous imaging using a T1-weighted (T1W) gradient echo (GRE) sequence after administration of gadolinium (Gd)-EOB-DTPA, the needle was placed into the lesion. An interface for interactive dynamic viewing in two perpendicular planes prevented needle deviations T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) fat-suppressed sequence was added to rule out postinterventional hematoma or biloma. All lesions were visible on the interventional images. Biopsy was technically successful, and solid specimens were obtained in all cases. Forty-six patients showed a histopathologic pattern other than native liver tissue, thus confirming correct position of the needle. Time between determination of the lesion and performance of the control scan was on average 18 min. No major complications were recorded. MR guidance with the new 1-T open system must be considered an attractive alternative for liver punction. An interface for dynamic imaging of needle guidance and T1W-GRE imaging with administration of Gd-EOB-DTPA for contrast enhancement allows the pinpoint puncture of liver lesions.

in relation to air pollution Diplomová práce Skolitel: doc. RNDr. Jií Neustupa, Ph.D. Praha, 2013 #12 and yew needles in relation to various air quality measures evaluating air pollution of sites. The results towards cardinal points. However, the air pollution factors also proved to be significantly related

, the correlation of species and abundance data with air pollution (mostly nitrogen and sulphur concentrations baccata L.) were analyzed in relation to the air pollution data in Prague. Key words: autotrophic microbial communities on needles, bioindication, air quality, lichens, Taxus baccata L., English Yew, green

Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave. Room 1-235A&B, Cambridge, MA, USA b Department of Civil Persistence length Nanostructure Recent findings in protein structure prediction have revealed a new class-solenoid with a triangular core [10], has been identified as a stiff needle that facilitates the drilling through the cell

Abstract--This paper presents a new approach to robot-assisted spine and trauma surgery in which is designed to operate in a semiactive mode to precisely po- sition and orient a drill or a needle in various placement; and 2) drill guiding for distal locking screws in intramedullary nailing. In both cases, a tool

plumbing services, EHS personnel wastewater treatment plant personnel, and the general public canWaste Handling and Disposal Biological Safety General Biosafety Practices (GBP) Why You Should Care on the next experiment. Are you working with r/sNA, biological toxins, human materials, needles, plasticware